So far a lot of my new year has been about connecting with inspiring and creative entrepreneurial women all of the place - intimate workshops, festive boutique events and good ol' across-the-counter conversation.

And so it is with particularly great timing that this late winter and impending spring involve getting an exciting new fair trade, organic coffee into the shop. First, let's talk about the remarkable producers.

Founded in 2000, the Dukunde Kawa Cooperative cultivates its coffee near a gorilla habitat in the mountains of Central Rwanda. By producing coffee for an international market and employing a majority female workforce (80%), Dukunde Kawa has helped to positively impact local families. With funds from the Rwandan Ministry of Defense, the cooperative was able to build a washing station. And, because of this, the co-op donated 10% of its net profit annually to fund the construction of other washing stations throughout the country.

Their coffee has been Fair Trade Certified since 2004, which creates a better standard of living for farmers by providing them access to an economically and environmentally sustainable coffee industry. Each co-op member has been able to purchase a farm animal, and many have health insurance for the first time. They have also stated a treerehabilitation program, and they want to eventually create a water channeling system for the water left over after the coffee processing.

All I ever want out of a morning is a fantastic cup of coffee and a smile. This story of the Dukunde Kawa Cooperative delivers both in spades.

Now available in somewhat limited quantity, grab a pound before it's gone!

TASTING NOTES: A delight of a coffee on the lighter end of our dark roast range - expect a very smooth, aromatic cup brightened by berry and anchored with warm nutty tones.